Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

A truth commission was discussed more than ten years ago in Dublin Castle and at that stage we had examined the South African situation. There was not an appetite for a commission then or since during various discussions with representatives of political parties and other non-political organisations who would have been able to assist in making it workable. The reason it was a success in South Africa is people were prepared to come forward and follow through on incidents by bringing the various victims, witnesses and others to the table. I pressed for a commission at that time and on several occasions since, on the basis that more and more individuals, families, organisations and communities have come forward to try to find out the truth about what happened in the circumstances where after the atrocity or killing and other incidents that occurred during the 28 years of the Troubles there was very little investigation. As I have stated previously in the House, the groups and families involved paint the picture of these events honestly and truthfully as if they happened yesterday. This does not go away and it makes things very difficult for them. I have always seen merit in having a way in which they can register formally their feelings other than approaching me, a Minister or a British Minister. While this would not resolve their problems and give them closure, it would at least give them some satisfaction. That is all many of the families need and there is merit in establishing some mechanism. The South African mechanism is the best and no other mechanism has been as wide, broad and successful as it. The British Government consulted us on the group that was announced and its format and we will co-operate on that. The two people, Denis Bradley and Reverend Eames, have been involved in different ways in the peace process and the Troubles for many years and they are very much aware of what I have outlined. It is worth having a look at what we can do on this.

While we have had several inquiries, including the Cory inquiry, and there was much engagement between the Government and many of the families and groups, the historical inquiries team within the PSNI is examining the cases and significant resources have been invested in its work. These initiatives have been very useful but very many of the families still need help. I have only met a fraction of the large number of families requiring some process to be put in place. This group, which will look back on the issue, will consider what we can do and engage everyone in the process.

It is a useful and worthwhile exercise, and I very much appreciate that Prime Minister Blair initiated this before he left office. We had made the case time and again that some process had to be put in place, and it is an area he understood very well. I hope we can take it forward from that position.

We are ready to move on the North-South Ministerial Council and I will not repeat myself on it. As the Deputy stated, I proposed in the previous Dáil to establish a joint committee on the implementation of the Good Friday Agreement and allow Northern Ireland MLAs attend on a similar basis as MEPs on the committee for European affairs. We did not reach all-party agreement on that but we are clearly in a far more positive environment now.

The question of a North-South parliamentary forum is contained in the St. Andrews Agreement, and that is more realistic now the Northern Ireland Assembly has been restored. However, I understand there may be mixed views in the Northern parties on the issues. I will consult with my Government colleagues and Opposition leaders on how we might progress from here.

On the proposed Love Ulster parade, I am aware there has been ongoing contact between the Garda Síochána and Families Acting for Innocent Relatives, FAIR. Although discussions are at a very early stage and no decisions have been made, the group has put its points of view and the Garda has explained its position. As a general rule, the Garda tries to facilitate orderly demonstrations while minimising disruption to ordinary people going about their business. Public safety and the protection of lives and property must be a priority. Contact between the Garda and FAIR will continue. I do not want to prejudice the issue, as the Garda has explored the issue and given its views, as well as its opinion on what happened before. We should all reflect on whether a march along the lines of the previous march is the most appropriate way to remember victims.

If the purpose is to remember victims, we should keep that issue in focus and consider the most appropriate way to do this. The events surrounding the last march did not do much to help that cause. It may also be an issue elected representatives North and South would have views on in the wider context of our improving relationships. It is very early on and my information from the Garda Síochána is that it saw the meeting as a preliminary stage.

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